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May 20, 2007

G43: Red Sox 6, Atlanta 3

Gabbard (5-6-2-1-7, 100) used a biting curveball to easily outpitch Hudson (4.2-8-6-2-0, 82) (box). Gabbard was lifted after the first two Atlanta batters reached base in the sixth; Brendan Donnelly allowed both of them to score.

The Sox got all the runs they needed in the first inning, when Varitek hit a bases-loaded triple off Hudson and scored on Hinske's single. Pedroia doubled and scored on Ortiz's force in the second. Yook hit a solo home run around the Pesky Pole in the fifth.

Andruw Jones struck out swinging five times (including ending the game as the potential tying run against Papelbot).

Three other East teams lost this afternoon: Baltimore (now 10.5 GB), Toronto (11 GB) and Tampa Bay (12 GB). ... The Yankees (11 GB) play the Mets tonight.

It's Connecticut Day at Fenway Park and (once again) intermittent light rain is in the forecast.

Lefty Gabbard made his major-league debut last July 22 in Seattle (5.1-8-3-2-2-3) (Ortiz played first base that day.). He posted a 3.51 ERA in seven appearances. In eight starts for Pawtucket this year, his ERA is 2.75.

(Tonight, the Mets go for a sweep of the Yankees, who will be sending out their 11th starting pitcher (and 7th rookie) this year. Boston used 14 starters last season.)

As bad as it has been for the Yankees there are other teams that have even worse problems. From ESPN.com's power rankings - "How bad are the Rangers hurting? Ron Washington pulled a hammy on his way to dispute a call."

So, a quick request for anyone out there. We're trying to get tickets to Fenway for someone at work who does so much for everyone. He throws a party for everyone who works there at the end of our season (which is in a few days), and we would love to surprise him with 2 tickets to the Sox.

If you know of anyone looking to sell 2, let me know. We'd really appreciate it, and unfortunately I only have single tickets for the rest of the year, otherwise I'd happily give up any pair I have.

I used to dislike Chipper Jones - until he ragged on Mets fans. During the Mets/Braves playoffs, they were chanting at Shea - Laaaa-reeee, Laaa-reeee. Chipper said when the playoffs were over all the Mets fans would go home and put on their Yankees gear.

L-girl, I've heard people refer to the team as "we" many times, but first person singular is a new one for me. :) I sometimes play "Dirty Water" after I finish a particularly difficult Sudoku or crossword puzzle, though.

I think the Yanks would have to sweep us to really get any momentum. That's not going to happen. They could conceivably take two of three, which might encourage them somewhat but not really salve their wounds. Most likely, we take two of three. If we sweep them, it's another big blow.

2 out of 3 would give them a little mo'. Gotta take 2 out of 3 here while we're smokin' hot. I still believe that eventually the Yanks will make "the run" - until they do, strike while the fire is hot, lads!